How to Use Interviews to Spice Up Your Novel Research
Last week I had the opportunity to interview someone who has the same profession as a character in a novel I’m working on. I hadn’t planned on it, but I realized it would be a great way to learn about something I’d been sort of winging in the first draft.
It can feel a little odd to ask someone for an interview. And awkward if you’re not sure if the book you’re writing will actually be published. But more people than you’d expect do like talking about what they do to an interested party. There’s never any harm in asking, at least!
You can reach out to people through friends and acquaintances, Instagram, LinkedIn, or an online search (universities, professional organizations, etc.). A brief email (or introduction through someone you both know) lets them know why you want to interview them, and a little about your project. Also reassure them that it won’t take up much of their time – exactly how much will depend on the depth of interview you need.
It’s optimal, of course, if you have time to write out a few questions beforehand. You want to be mindful of the other person’s time, and therefor focus on the most important things you want to ask. Ideally, you’ve done some research ahead of time so you’re asking good questions. You want to avoid the obvious, easy questions you can easily find online.
You may be doing the interview over Zoom or by phone, which will be quieter and more private, but will not allow you to see the environment your character is in. I don’t suggest interviewing via email, since it can be difficult to get the rhythm of a conversation, and the detail you need. If you’re interviewing someone for details about their job, or something where first-hand knowledge of the place would be useful, it’s best if you can do the interview in situ so you not only get a sense of them in their space, but also get those physical and sensory details you can’t get otherwise. The sights, smells, and sounds lend realism to your scenes.
It can be difficult to take it all in at once, so you should definitely make notes as soon as you can about anything specific. You may take notes during the interview, or you may use a recording device, depending on the situation. I used a notebook since I was in the middle of a busy kitchen and didn’t have space for a laptop and the informality of a notebook and pen was a better fit for the situation.
As much as you don’t want to ask too-easy questions, you also don’t want to jump in with anything too tough right off the bat. Find a good entry question that eases you both into the conversation. Remember, the other person may be a little nervous and not really know what to expect. Start by thanking them for their time, letting them know you only need a little of their time (I say no more than 20-30 minutes, max). You might also explain a little about your project, and what you’re looking to learn.
Remember also that good questions might arise out of the conversation itself. Ask follow-up questions based on the other person’s answers. Part of learning is listening for those nuggets of information you would have had no idea to ask about. Don’t just ask your prepared questions one after the other, which comes across as more of an interrogation. I was also lucky in that I got to be in the middle of the action, so I heard the language people used, saw the timing of events – and did my best to stay out of the way! I was also lucky that my interviewee showed me her daily prep notes, and her notated recipe as she explained her process.
As a final question I always ask some version of “What haven’t I asked that you think I should know?” Because you don’t know what you don’t know! I also ask if I can email them if I have any further questions, since I may think of others as I write. I’ve never had anyone refuse, and of course I don’t take advantage of their generosity by spamming them with questions.
Then, once I get home, I organize my notes and decipher any squiggles from my scrawled notes. I want to do this before I forget any details – and while I can still read my own writing. And of course, you may also want to send a thank-you note to the interviewee.
I don’t always know exactly how I’ll incorporate the interview material, but it will be incorporated as I go. As with any research, the trick is to use just enough to add realistic detail.
Interviewing experts can be one of the most fun ways to do research for your novel. Whether it’s for a historical period, a location, a particular job, or other specialty area, talking with an expert can really give you those authentic details that add realism and help readers feel immersed in the story world.
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